Pentagon Warns Soldiers About Energy Drinks Health Risks

Stock Photo:
NEW YORK - MAY 26 2016: U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines gather at the Armed Forces Recruiting Station on Military Island Pedestrian Plaza in Times Square during Fleet Week NY 2016. (Glynnis Jones / Shutterstock.com)

US Department of Defense is warning soldiers to avoid drinking too many energy drinks.

While many soldiers are returning from the war on terrorism with PTSD, the US Department of Defense is asking for soldiers to cut back on too many energy drinks.

Posted on the official U.S. Defense Department Science blog, the U.S. Army provided warnings for soldiers to follow regarding energy drinks.

Some of the warnings included monitoring caffeine intake. For example, the Pentagon suggests for soldiers to add up the amount of caffeine they are consuming. In addition, to avoid consuming more than 200 mg every four hours.

The Army also warns soldiers that caffeinated drinks contains a lot of sugar and can cause weight gain. Furthermore, in the report the Army suggests that soldiers should avoid mixing alcohol and energy drinks.

Do energy drinks actually help soldiers perform better?

A 2010 CDC study found that approximately 6% of young men in the military consume energy drinks every day. However, service members who consumed more than three or more caffeinated drinks a day were more likely to fall asleep on the job.

Moreover, a 2016 study published in the “Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research” titled “Effects of energy drinks on economy and cardiovascular measures” explained how caffeinated drinks impacted the body. Researchers found “no performance benefits” in the study. In addition, subjects in the study did experience higher blood pressure rates.

Stock Photo:NEW YORK-OCTOBER 5: Red Bull van parked on the Broadway street on October 5, 2010 in New York, USA. Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world, with 4.5 billion cans sold each year. (Laszlo Halasi / Shutterstock.com)

But, it is reasonable to believe that caffeinated drinks make soldiers feel better about themselves. A 2016 study published in the “Journal of Psychopharmacology” titled “Effects of the Red Bull® Energy Drink on cognitive function and mood in healthy young volunteers” examined the impact of Red Bull on the cognitive functions of young adults. The results of the study found Red Bull improved memory, accuracy and speed of working memory. In addition to improving alertness and reducing tiredness.

With a degree in public health, Brent understands that technology and data leads to solving health issues that plague individuals throughout the world. Brent enjoys reporting about technological advances in the field of health.